Our foster program is at the core of our organization as we do not have a facility. Foster parents are vital to prepare our shelter pets for their forever homes.
Why foster a homeless pet?
You are literally saving a pet's life! Our local animal shelters cannot care for all of the injured, lost, and stray pets that come through their doors without our help. They rely on rescue partners like SVPP to house rescue animals that they cannot support in the shelters. Kitten season (spring - late fall) is a major challenge for shelters as they cannot care for young kittens when their immune system is not yet developed. Foster parents provide a critical community service to care for pets that would be difficult to care for in a shelter: puppies and kittens with immune systems not strong enough to fight germs, animals too young to be spayed or neutered, orphaned or feral kittens, and animals with special medical needs.
What is expected of me as a foster parent?
First and foremost, foster families provide a safe and loving home. In addition, we ask that you provide:
Exercise, playtime and socialization, and probably basic training (for dogs).
Transport to vet appointments, photo shoots, and adoption events.
Special care in the case of illness. If the foster pet is sick, isolation from other animals in the home may be required. This isolation is especially important for cats and unweaned kittens.
Regular updates (photos, videos) for marketing purposes.
Meeting with potential adopters after they have gone thru SVPP adoption application screening process.
What support or resources will SVPP provide to me if I become a foster parent?
SVPP’s Foster Team will ensure that each foster parent is provided with the support they require to care for the pets SVPP rescues. Your foster coordinator will check in regularly and connect you with any further support you may need. SVPP pays for pre-approved vet visits and procedures and, also provide toys, food and other supplies such as crates and baby gates. We even have vacation coverage for our foster families!
If your foster dog requires behavioral support, we work with local dog trainers/behaviorists to assess all of our dogs and put them on training plans. We strongly encourage our adopters to continue with the training plan and will provide information (including special discounts) upon adoption.
Are foster care expenses tax deductible, since SVPP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit?
Yes. Some of the expenses of fostering a pet for SVPP can be deducted as services rendered to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. Items like pet food and supplies can qualify as expenses for fostering a pet. You can even deduct 14 cents per mile for trips made solely for the organization. Just like with any other deduction, you need to document the expenses. Keep your receipts and canceled checks, and keep track of mileage (including date, destination, and distance). For expenses over $250, SVPP is happy to provide you with a statement confirming that you have fostered for our organization. You will need this statement and receipts to claim any tax benefit. Talk to your accountant to learn how this applies to your taxes.
Ready to save a life? Complete a foster application today!
Have more questions about fostering?
Contact us at foster@svpetproject.org.